Alien Invasives · Belhambra (Phytolacca dioica)

Belhambra (Phytolacca dioica)

This large, soft-wooded, semi-evergreen tree can grow up to 20 metres tall with an impressive buttressed trunk. The leaves and stems are succulent. It has bright green leaves, oval-shaped leaves with smooth margins. Creamy-yellow flowers appear from September to December in 10cm long clusters with male and female flowers appearing on separate trees from . The berry-like fruits start off green then turn black.

Other names: Monkey Grape, Ombu, Poke Berry, Umbra Tree (English)
Belambraboom, Dikboom, Bobbejaandruifboom (Afrikaans)
uMzimuka (isiZulu)
Invasive status: NEMBA Category 3
CARA 2002 Category 3

Originally from: South America (northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay)
Where is it a problem?: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces
How does it spread?: Seed dispersal
Why is it a problem?: It competes with indigenous speciesand because of its enourmous size, even a single tree can seriously affect a natural ecosystem. In urban areas seedlings often germinate along fencelines or walls and can cause considerable damage to property if they are allowed to grow to tree size.
Planting alternatives: White Stinkwood (Celtis africana)
Uses: Ornamental shade tree